Color coordinated fashion accessories (shift knobs, etc)

[wws944]

For those who just can't leave well enough alone, here are a few parts that other E-bods of the Reattas vintage had:

At the top is a saddle bag, found on the back side of many late-80s Seville and Eldorado seats. Handy to wedge between the passenger seat and console, to keep gas receipts/maps/CDs/etc under control.

In the center are various shift knobs. On the left is one from an '87 Riviera. Apparently prior to '88 they were color keyed, not black. Next two "T" shaped knobs are from '80s Sevilles/Eldorados. The center left one is earlier and the leather is in two pieces - with stitching across the top. The center right one is one piece of leather folded around so that the top is smooth. Finally, on the right, is an early '90s Seville/Eldorado "L" shaped knob. When installed, it is intentionally angled a bit.

I think I read somewhere in the archives that all of the Reatta interior colors were also Cadillac colors. Blue seems especially common from that era. Black versions are also around.

The little "U"-shaped clip is what holds the knob to the shifter. To remove a shift knob, simply pry the little clip out and yank the knob off. Reverse procedure to install a new one.

Edited March 1, 2012 by wws944 (see edit history)

[NCReatta]

How much do you want for that bag?

[KDirk]

wws944-

Would you be interested in selling the center right one (T-handle, smooth on top) and/or the right hand one (L shape, button on bottom)? If not, any possibility you could find one more of either - or both - in burgundy? have been interested in one of these for a while, but so far have not found a Eldo or Seville being parted with anything but blue interior. Salvage yards here don't keep cars of that vintage sitting around.

Thanks!

KDirk

[wws944]

Would you be interested in selling the center right one (T-handle, smooth on top) and/or the right hand one (L shape, button on bottom)?

The "L" shaped one is the only garnet red (interior code 78) one I've seen in person. Same for the Riviera one. So neither are for sale. I do have a black "L" shaped one that I would part with.

The smooth top "T" is the one that I have in my Reatta right now. I have another, but it shows a little wear on it.

If not, any possibility you could find one more of either - or both - in burgundy?

After 20+ years, a lot of the shift knobs that I have seen are pretty worn, nicked up, and/or scummy looking by now. Since I am not a "parts vendor", I've just bought an item here and there out of personal interest.

If you happen to find one where the leather is just grimy, but otherwise in decent shape, mild hand soap and warm water works wonders. Follow up with some leather conditioner and they look pretty good.

[Rawja]

If you happen to find one where the leather is just grimy, but otherwise in decent shape, mild hand soap and warm water works wonders. Follow up with some leather conditioner and they look pretty good.

Throw a nail brush into the mix to really get the gunk out of the stitching.

[padgett]

I always angled my T-handles to be square on the driver.

Want to see a really obscure GM shift knob ? This is the 2nd design (1970).

[Jim]

A few years ago I painted some shift knobs tan with the exact matching paint. I have one in my wife's driftwood convertible and sold a couple of them.

I have one left on the shelf for $ 15 plus $ 7 for Priority Mail shipping with delivery confirmation.

Jim

[Guest Kitskaboodle]

Another good shift knob choice is the black leather "snake head"

that comes in the later Grand Prix's. It has a grey overdrive button on

the side. (with wires that come out of the bottom of the knob)

I have this type of knob on my 85 Fiero GT auto and my Reatta.

Kit

[Guest Recian]

i know the factory reatta knob is common to most GMs in the 80s and 90s. The curious question is, to color key them what effect would dye have on the leather? I know from experience with imports and interior painting that that interior paint usually wears on knobs, door handles and window switches due to heavy traffic. But dye would be more permanent and would really set off the dull center console with some interior color. For me how hard do you think it would be to find a blue or med grey shift knob? since tan/red were more common.

[NCReatta]

i know the factory reatta knob is common to most GMs in the 80s and 90s. The curious question is, to color key them what effect would dye have on the leather? I know from experience with imports and interior painting that that interior paint usually wears on knobs, door handles and window switches due to heavy traffic. But dye would be more permanent and would really set off the dull center console with some interior color. For me how hard do you think it would be to find a blue or med grey shift knob? since tan/red were more common.

SEM Vinyl paint can do wonders. Seats, door panels, steering wheels, you name it.

[wws944]

... For me how hard do you think it would be to find a blue or med grey shift knob? since tan/red were more common.

Actually blue ones seem far more common than red ones. I own three GM vehicles with red interiors (Reatta and Regal are code 78 garnet, Suburban is code 79 ruby), and they are somewhat less common than other colors. So when I've gone by the local Pick N Pulls I kept an eye out for red interior parts that are better than the ones I have. (I really need to find some interior parts for a '95-'99 Suburban with ruby red. But they are really rare. Less than 5% of production. And new parts are largely NLA.)

[DAVES89]

I went out to my local U-Pick [Gibsons] today and picked up the following;

2 White Portfolio Bags

2 Med Gray Portfolio Bags

2 Trofero T Handle w/end button & ext. Trim on shaft] Dk. Gray [No Picture Try Auto Trader]

3 Dark Gray T Handle w/end button [see Post #1 3rd from left]

1 Burgandy T Handle w/end button [see Post #1 3rd from left]

3 Tan L Handle w/button under grip [see Post #1 4th from left]

Now when I said I picked them up that is true, but they are still out at the yard, just in a different car for "safekeeping."

I will offer them for sale at the Reatta Buy/Sell portion of the forum.

Any profits on these items will go to the transportation of the "Kingsley" Reatta

Edited March 8, 2012 by DAVES89 (see edit history)